In Path of Exile 2, currency isn't just a medium of trade-it's the backbone of crafting, upgrading, and progression. Unlike traditional RPGs where gold or credits serve as the universal resource, PoE 2 continues the series' tradition of a bartering economy, where every type of POE2 Currency has its own unique function. Among these, one of the most sought-after items is the Regal Orb.

The Regal Orb is a powerful crafting currency that transforms a Magic (blue) item into a Rare (gold) item, adding an additional modifier in the process. This makes it an indispensable tool for anyone looking to upgrade gear without relying solely on drops. If you're preparing for endgame bosses, high-tier maps, or challenging league mechanics, having a healthy stock of Regal Orbs will give you a massive edge.

This guide will break down everything you need to know about how Regal Orbs work, how to obtain them, how Regal Shards fit into the system, and the best farming strategies to keep your stash full.

What Are Regal Orbs in Path of Exile 2?

At their core, Regal Orbs are a currency item with dual functionality:

Crafting Use - Upgrades a Magic (blue) item into a Rare (gold) item, while adding a new random affix. This makes them crucial for creating early-game rares or progressing toward high-end crafted gear.

Trade Value - Because they're harder to obtain than common currency like Orbs of Alteration, Regal Orbs also function as a valuable trading medium in PoE's barter-driven economy.

Think of Regal Orbs as the bridge between early-game crafting and serious item progression. They're not as expensive as Exalted Orbs but far more valuable than the entry-level crafting currencies.

How to Obtain Regal Orbs

Regal Orbs aren't as common as Scrolls of Wisdom or Orbs of Transmutation. Instead, they require targeted farming or crafting efforts. Here are the main ways you can acquire them in Path of Exile 2:

1. Regal Shards

The most reliable way to acquire Regal Orbs is by collecting Regal Shards. Similar to other shard-based currencies, once you gather enough shards, they combine into a full Regal Orb.

How to get Regal Shards:

Disenchanting Rare items through vendors or crafting systems.

Drops from certain bosses and league encounters.

Occasional shards from strongboxes and chests.

Once you've farmed the required number of shards, they automatically combine into a Regal Orb. This makes farming Rares one of the most consistent long-term strategies.

2. Vendor Recipes

One of Path of Exile's trademark mechanics is vendor recipes, where you sell specific item combinations to NPCs in exchange for currency. In PoE 2, this tradition continues with recipes that produce Regal Shards or full Regal Orbs.

Selling high-level Rare items with specific affixes.

Trading certain unique items or combinations.

Converting excess crafting currency at particular thresholds.

If you're diligent about picking up and sorting items, you'll steadily build a stockpile of shards through vendors.

3. Monster and Boss Drops

Like other valuable currencies, Regal Orbs can drop directly from enemies, though the rate is far lower compared to smaller orbs. Bosses, map encounters, and league mechanics have the highest chance of rewarding them.

Endgame bosses such as Act Guardians and Map Bosses have a much better drop rate.

League events (like Rituals, Breaches, or Delirium-style mechanics) often provide bulk currency drops.

High-tier maps increase shard and orb drop probabilities significantly.

4. Trading with Other Players

PoE 2's economy thrives on player-to-player trade, and Regal Orbs are highly liquid currency. If you have surplus crafting materials, maps, or other currencies, you can trade directly for Regal Orbs. This is especially useful if you'd rather skip farming and focus on specific crafting projects.

Best Farming Strategies for Regal Orbs

Now that you know how Regal Orbs are obtained, here's how to farm them efficiently:

1. Farm High-Density Rare Drops

The most efficient farming method is to target content that drops Rares in bulk. This ensures a steady flow of Regal Shards. Examples include:

Maps with “Increased Rare Monster” modifiers.

Strongboxes, particularly Arcanist and Cartographer's boxes.

League mechanics that flood you with rares (e.g., Breach-style swarms).

The more Rares you pick up, the faster you build Regal Orbs.

2. Run Vendor Recipes

Get in the habit of checking Rares for vendor value. Many players ignore this, but over time it adds up to dozens of extra Regal Shards. Keep a stash tab dedicated to recipe items and do bulk turn-ins when farming.

3. Targeted Boss Farming

Bosses with high currency drop rates, such as Act End Bosses and Mapping Guardians, often drop Regal Orbs or large amounts of shards. If your build is strong enough, this method yields consistent returns.

4. Currency Flipping Through Trade

Some experienced players prefer trading instead of grinding. By buying Regal Shards or undervalued Orbs in bulk, then reselling when prices spike, you can profit without farming. This strategy works best if you're familiar with the trade market and have surplus currency.

When to Use Regal Orbs vs. When to Save Them

One of the biggest challenges is knowing when to spend Regal Orbs and when to stockpile.

Use them early to upgrade strong blue items into rares while leveling. This can carry you through Acts smoothly.

Save them in mid to late-game for crafting projects. A single well-rolled rare from a Regal upgrade can become the foundation for high-end gear.

Trade them when prices peak. If a new league mechanic makes Regals especially in-demand, selling them for Exalted Orbs or Chaos Orbs may be the smarter choice.

Final Thoughts

The Regal Orb is one of Path of Exile 2's most versatile currencies, balancing between crafting utility and trade value. While it won't singlehandedly build an endgame item like an Exalted Orb, its ability to upgrade Magic items into Rares makes it indispensable for progression and gear optimization.

By farming Rare drops, collecting Regal Shards, using vendor recipes, and targeting bosses, you'll steadily build a strong stash of Regal Orbs. Whether you choose to use them for crafting or trade them for other resources, mastering this part of thePOE 2 Currency Orbs economy will keep you well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

As you venture deeper into maps, bosses, and league content, Regal Orbs will become a cornerstone of your crafting journey-and a currency that separates well-prepared exiles from the rest of Wraeclast.